St Helens have announced a major new partnership with Halewood Wines & Spirits which will see Crabbie’s become the club’s official away kit partner for the next three seasons.

The international drinks company will feature on the away kit and players training wear until 2019, whilst its Willow Water brand will appear on the junior replica jerseys.

Speaking on behalf of Saints, head of sales and marketing Dave Hutchinson said: “We are delighted to welcome Halewood Wines &amp; Spirits, and in particular Crabbie’s, on board as a Platinum Club partner.

“They are a well-known, internationally recognised brand but at the same time a local Merseyside business and we will complement each other very well.

“We are looking forward to offering Crabbie’s and the other brands from the Halewood stable to our fans and guests across our bars and lounges within the stadium.

“Halewood are making a big commitment to not only our club but also from grassroots level upwards across both codes of rugby. We want to help this investment deliver a return for all concerned.

“St Helens RFC are very grateful for Halewood’s significant support for the club and we look forward to working together in the coming seasons.”

Crabbie’s was established in 1801 when Crabbie’s Ginger Wine was originally produced in Leith, Edinburgh by John Crabbie & Co.

Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer is the number one selling brand in the category and a keen supporter of rugby of both codes, from the elite level to grassroots.

All of Crabbie’s sponsorship activity includes outreach to grassroots clubs and the brand has launched a collector reward scheme for clubs at crabbiesrugby.co.uk where local and community clubs can earn equipment such as balls, tackle bags, contact bags, post protectors and more.

Michelle Chadwick, senior marketing controller for Crabbie’s, said: “Crabbie’s involvement in rugby is all about developing the game and encouraging participation at all levels.

“We want to see both codes of the game flourish and that’s why this exciting and unique partnership with St Helens makes such sense.

“St Helens is one of the global names in rugby league with a pedigree unrivalled in the game.

“By working together, we can help grow participation in rwugby league as well as supporting many local clubs.”